Review: Keemala Phuket
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Keemala is nestled amidst lush flora on the rainforest-encrusted hills of Phuket. Overlooking Kamala village and out to the Andaman Sea, this member of Small Luxury Hotels of The World is hidden away from the crowds and offers a serene retreat. Keemala Phuket is one of the top honeymoon resorts in Thailand

Location

Phuket International Airport is a 45-minute drive from the resort. Direct flights arrive from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Australia, Russia, Japan, the UAE, and Europe. Private transfers can be arranged through the hotel.

Rooms

There are 38 Pool Villas at Keemala. Each villa has a thatched roof, and the design is loosely based on ancient tribe dwellings. Villas contain huge four-poster beds, outdoor bathtubs, and private lap pools. We love the Clay Pool Villas pictured below. From all the rooms, you can marvel at the views overlooking the rainforest, mountains, and the Andaman Sea. The canvas Tent Pool Villas are also a fun choice.

Set on a rocky outcrop, these have sea and forest views and are particularly special. Expect an added level of luxury from your villa host, who will book you into the spa and restaurant, unpack your bags, and deliver your room service.

In your room, you will find all mod cons, from a flatscreen TV, iPod dock, to a traditional coffee grinder and beans from Chiang Rai (Nespresso coffee machines available on request), as well as a free minibar and bottled water, and Siam Botanicals bath products.

Pool & Beach

Over and above your own private lap pool, you will find the resort’s main freeform pool and Jacuzzi flanked with sun loungers. There is also an hourly shuttle to Kamala Beach.

Spa

Found in thatched huts among the trees, Mala spa has eight treatment pods and uses Siam Botanicals, as well as Voya and Spa Ritual products for healing therapies, massages, and reiki. Pretty waterfalls and streams trickle past the yoga pavilions, and there’s a meditation cave for utter peace.

Dining

Enjoy dining at Su-Tha Restaurant in the intimate dining pods, which are dotted around the swimming pool and next to a cascading waterfall. Delicious Thai and Asian dishes include coconut curries, flavorsome exotic salads, and tasting platters. Find healthy organic meals at the spa and light meals at Cha-La Pool Bar. For breakfast, there’s fresh fruit, organic Asian dishes, and a live cooking station.

Set next to Su-Tha Restaurant, the bar has a terrace for sundowners and cocktails. Cha-La Pool Bar is laid back with snacks.

Conclusion

Keemala is just a 3-minute drive from Kamala Beach and not far from the liveliness of Patong Beach, but it feels a world away. In fact, this luxury resort is often compared to Avatar’s Pandora and the Shire from Lord of the Rings. It is a paradise that must be experienced.

Keemala also features in our best luxury, romantic resorts for couples in Asia, my best luxury, wilderness resorts in Asia and my five best romantic hotels and resorts for couples in Thailand. You can also read our reviews of other Small Luxury Hotels.

Image courtesy of Keemala Phuket.

Note: Benefits & upgrades subject to availability. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing. Terms & conditions apply. Enquire for more information. Posts may be sponsored by the proprietor or brand being appraised. All opinions remain our own & are in no way influenced.

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